Why you shouldn’t use bath bombs with sulphates in them – here are 9 alternatives to consider for your next staycation

Whenever we plan for a staycation, most of us would look for a hotel room with a bathtub – something that we don’t have at home – so that we can pamper ourselves and give ourselves a well-deserved break. And when there’s a bathtub in the hotel room, we have to get bath bombs because what’s the point if you’re not going to have a bubble bath?

Now, before you purchase any bath bomb, it is important to note that some of them actually contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). And if you’re going to be soaking in the tub for a prolonged period of time, SLS can be very damaging to your skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.

This is because SLS can strip away the natural oils of your skin, making it dry and irritated. It can even cause clogged pores and result in acne.

As such, we have come up with a list of the best places to purchase bath bombs that are free from SLS so that you can have a bubbly staycation without any worries.

1. BodySlick

BodySlick is a local company that was started by a mother-daughter duo back in 2018. They had enough of daily body washes that dry their skin out, so they set out on a mission to create body cleansers and bath bombs without any SLS used.

They have a huge range of bath bombs available in lots of colourful shades, and we’re sure that they’ll look so good once you place them in your bath.

They even have bath bombs that have real flower buds embedded in them so that they’ll all float out once the bath bomb dissolves. This gives you an elevated experience like no other.

These bath bombs will leave your skin feeling soft and supple once you’ve used them.

BodySlick’s bath bombs start from S$13.90 and can be purchased here.

2. Bath Bomb Flings – local

Bath Bomb Flings is another local company that prides itself on being SLS-free. It features bath bombs that can be customised as well as ready-to-order ones.

For basic customisation (S$18), you can choose the colours that you would like, the scents, as well as the toppings if you want the bath bomb to come with a little surprise to spice things up. You can add toppings like mini hearts, lavender, rainbow flowers, and pastel bits!

For something a little cuter, you can go for their character customisation (S$23) which allows you to choose the character you would like adorned on the bath bomb.

Choose from characters like Gudetama, Spiderman, Elmo, Tsum Tsum characters, Hamtaro, Naruto, and more!

Bath Bomb Flings offers bath bombs from S$15 and you can take a look at them here.

3. Sephora

In case you didn’t know, Sephora actually has its own series of bath bombs, but instead of calling them that, they’re called Fizzing Star Bath Soak. This is probably one of the most affordable bath bombs you can get, and it’s sulphate-free as well.

These bath bombs come in the shape of a cute little star and come in five different scents: Cotton Flower, Cherry Blossom, Monoi, Mango, and Lagoon.

They are smaller than other bath bombs, but for this price, you can easily purchase two to place in your bathtub if you want more bubbles.

The Fizzing Star Bath Soak is available for just S$2 per piece here.

4. Bain De Mousse

Everyone, make way for the cutest bath bombs you’ll ever find!

Bain De Mousse is a local small business that has bath bombs with cute characters painted on them, making them great as gifts or just something for you to snap Instaworthy pics of before taking a bath.

They have baby dinosaurs, chicks, squid game characters, and even custom dog bath bombs.

For something a little more intricate, go for their shower bombs that are made with mooncake moulds. These are shaped like flowers, and are in four different colours – pink, lavender, yellow, and mint.

Each has a unique scent, but since they are all made with menthol crystals, there will be an extra minty scent accompanying them.

And here’s something interesting: 30% of the profits that Bain De Mousse makes will be donated to charity, so when you buy from them, you’re doing something good too!

The bath bombs do not contain sulphate. Instead, they contain sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA), which is derived from coconut and palm oils, making it a safe and skin-friendly ingredient.

Bath bombs here are sold at S$8 each, but a minimum order of two bath bombs is required. You can make a purchase by sending them a DM on Instagram.

5. Nude & Jar

Nude & Jar was started by a couple who realised that they were breaking out from using commercial soaps that have SLS in them. That’s when they realised their sensitive skin needed something more natural with no harsh chemicals.

As such, they started formulating their own soaps and decided to bring them to the market to share with anyone who faces the same problem as them.

Instead of using SLS, their products contain SLSA, which will leave your skin feeling silky and smooth.

Choose to build your own fizzies by customising the scent, shape, colour, and skin benefits – moisturising, energising, stress-relieving – of two bath bombs! Nude & Jar has bath bombs in the shape of clouds, dragon eggs, heart waffles, doughnuts, moons, rubber duckies, and gummy bears.

Alternatively, you can also purchase their ready-to-order bubble bars such as the Choco Mint Scoop (S$15), Dreamy Roll (S$18), or the Paddlepop Scoop (S$15).

Bath bombs by Nude & Jar are available for purchase here.

6. BathLab

If you’re looking for something that dissolves with a little bit more theatrics, BathLab is the place to purchase your bath bombs.

You’ll be in for a treat when you purchase the Little Rocket (S$13.90), because it will look like the rocket is actually zooming around in your bathtub.

That’s right, it leaves behind an orange and yellow trail as it moves around while dissolving. This makes for a great video moment, and will definitely be a hit amongst the kids.

 

 

This Witch’s Cauldron (S$11.90) is also another one you can look out for. It’ll look exactly like someone accidentally spilt a witch’s potion right into your bathtub.

View the whole collection BathLab has to offer right here. Their bath bombs are priced from S$11.90. Purchase any four and enjoy a 10% discount!

7. Make Waves

Make Waves is a local brand that specialises in all-natural products. Their bath bombs are made from plant-derived colours, pure essential oils, and skin-safe fragrances, so there are no harmful chemicals hidden in these products.

Their Bed O’ Roses Bath Bomb (S$11) is perfect if you’re looking to pamper yourself. Watch as the bath bomb dissolves and leaves behind a sweet scent of wild roses and scattered petals.

Nothing says me-time better than this Me-Time Bath Bomb (S$9.90). It looks just like any of us who are ready to enjoy a spa-like indulgence, and has a green tea scent to complement the experience.

For those who prefer a honey, milk and oatmeal scent, consider the Honey, Bee Calm Bath Bomb. This is guaranteed to make you feel more relaxed after the bath.

It comes in a cute yellow honeycomb design with a bee on the front.

You can place an order for the bath bombs from Make Waves’ website. Click here to purchase.

8. Da Bomb

If you’ve been feeling very angry and frustrated lately because of certain stressors in your life, you might be very tempted to drop the F-bomb. Well, now you can do it, literally.

Da Bomb’s “F” Bath Bomb (S$10.31) is said to help dissolve stress and melt away your anger thanks to its soothing lavender scent.

And here’s the best part about Da Bomb’s bath bombs – they all come with a surprise in them!

Feel just like a wizard when you use the Da Bomb Glow Bath (S$12.16) that will instantly make the water in your bathtub glow in the dark. This would make a super cool video and leave your friends wondering how you even did it.

Check out Da Bomb’s range of bath bombs here! 

9. Make your own

If you’re worried about SLS, the best way to make sure your bath bomb doesn’t contain it is to make your own!

Soap Ministry

Soap Ministry carries out workshops that allow you to learn how to make your own bath bombs without any harsh chemicals. The bath bombs made here are biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan and halal, and safe for anyone to use, even those with sensitive skin.

In this three-hour workshop, you will be able to make approximately four to five bath bombs. You can also customise the scent of your bath bombs with their huge range of 100% pure essential oil.

Channel your inner creativity and mix and match the colours to create a unique bath bomb that represents you.

It will be a great opportunity for you to learn something new and complete this activity with your loved ones or your friends.

The workshop costs S$68 per person and it is conducted at 277 Orchard Road, #03-04, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858. Fill in the form after you’ve purchased a ticket online to select your workshop time slot. You can also contact Soap Ministry before booking a slot if you have any enquiries.

DIY at home

If you prefer to make your own bath bombs at home, you can do that as well.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of citric acid
• 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup of cornstarch
• 3/4 tablespoon of water
• 2 tablespoons of essential oils (you can choose whatever scent you would like)
• 2 tablespoons of oil (you can use sweet almond, coconut, olive, or baby oil)
• A few drops of food colouring (you can choose whatever colour you would like)
• A mould
• Wax paper
• Optional: dried flowers, mini hearts, rose petals, etcetera to decorate the bath bomb

Step 1: Mix the baking soda, Epsom salt, and cornstarch together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl and make sure it is well-mixed. You can even place it in a jar with a lid to shake vigorously.

Step 3: Slowly add the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix them all together until you’ve emptied the liquid mixture. You’ll notice that the mixture will start to clump up a little.

Step 4: Add the citric acid and there will be a slight fizzing reaction. Don’t worry, this is normal.

Step 5: Place the mixture inside the mould and make sure you mash them in very tightly. After making sure that it’s mashed together as tightly as possible, you can gently loosen the bath bombs onto wax paper. Let them dry overnight.

Step 6: Once they are completely dry in about a day or two, they can then be used!

Just like the workshop, this will be a fun activity that you can do with your partner or your friends.